CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Bites - human and animal - Management
Which antibiotics can I give to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Pregnancy:
- Co-amoxiclav and erythromycin may be given during pregnancy.
- Metronidazole: despite theoretical safety concerns, a number of epidemiological studies have shown no conclusive evidence that metronidazole use during pregnancy causes an increased risk of malformations, stillbirths, or low birth-weight infants.
- Tetracyclines are not suitable for use during pregnancy, as they are deposited in the teeth and bones of the developing fetus.
- Breastfeeding:
- Co-amoxiclav and erythromycin may be given to women who are breastfeeding.
- Short courses (7 days) of doxycycline and oxytetracycline may be used during breastfeeding.
- A single course (7 days) of oral metronidazole 200 mg or 400 mg three times a day may be used during breastfeeding.
[NTIS, 1999; Schaefer, 2001; UKMiCentral, 2004; BNF 53, 2007]
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement